Rapper Active for Over 3 Months, Now in 9th Month... Recently Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Metastasis
Seo Mu-seok (87), a grandmother known as part of the grandmother rapper group ‘Suniwa Chilgongju,’ has been secretly battling cancer while continuing her activities for the past nine months, a fact that was revealed belatedly. Seo grandmother is currently in a critical condition.
On the 13th, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, announced that Seo grandmother was diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma blood cancer at a university hospital in Daegu last January and was given a prognosis of less than three months to live. This diagnosis came five months after the group began their activities in August of last year.
Grandmother rapper group 'Suni and the Seven Princesses' member Seomuseok (87) grandmother (center). [Photo by Chilgok-gun]
Suniwa Chilgongju is an eight-member rapper group with an average age of 85, formed by grandmothers living in Jicheon-myeon, Chilgok-gun, last August. They have attracted attention and love both domestically and internationally, even coining the new term ‘K-Halmae’ through major global media outlets. They have been active in various fields, including appearing in advertisements and policy promotions.
In this situation, Seo grandmother did not inform anyone except her family about her cancer battle, fearing that revealing it would prevent her from continuing group activities. Even as the cancer progressively metastasized, she devoted herself to rap practice held every Tuesday and Thursday, burning her remaining passion brightly on stage.
They have produced various broadcasts, government policy videos, and music videos. Seo also received a commission certificate from Kang Jeong-ae, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and served as a member of the Veterans Honors Club. On the 4th, she performed a joint show with the world-renowned b-boy group ‘MB Crew’ at the Hangul Day event held at Gwanghwamun Square, a symbol of South Korea.
'Suni wa Chilgongju,' who celebrated their 12th debut anniversary last August, is taking a commemorative photo at the village hall. [Photo by Chilgok-gun]
At first, the family discouraged her rapper activities out of concern for her health, but seeing her joy and happiness like a child, they could only watch over her. However, since the 6th, her health suddenly deteriorated. Detailed examinations revealed that the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, and she is currently unconscious and in critical condition.
The family had discouraged her rapper activities immediately after the blood cancer diagnosis at the hospital. However, seeing her joy and happiness like a child while rapping, they have only suffered in silence.
Her eldest daughter, Jeon Gyeong-suk (65), said, "Seeing her smile and be happy while rapping, I couldn’t stop her. Even last weekend, when she was bedridden, she told the grandmothers and teachers she rapped with not to tell anyone about her cancer battle, showing how sincere she was about rap."
Kim Jae-uk, the mayor of Chilgok-gun, said, “Elder Seo Mu-seok is fighting cancer cells with a happiness virus, burning her last remaining passion and giving us great inspiration. We hope she recovers soon and can return as a member of Suniwa Chilgongju.”
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